Playing for HBCU programs helped lay the foundation for these WNBA draft prospects — Andscape

After competing in conference tournaments, the NCAA tournament and other postseason tournaments and all-star games, several women’s basketball players from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are getting interest from professional teams, their coaches said.

After a 20-year drought in which no HBCU players were selected in the WNBA draft, two have been drafted in the last four years: Jackson State standouts Ameshya Williams-Holliday (25th overall pick in 2022) and Angel Jackson (36th overall pick in 2024).

Newly hired Norfolk State head coach Jermaine Woods believes more players could follow.

“I am convinced that HBCUs are receiving increased attention. With opportunity, success is achievable,” Woods said. “If our student-athletes are given the chance to demonstrate their abilities to influential people, I’m confident they will make a positive impression [in the league].”

Here are HBCU players – and players with HBCU roots – to watch in advance of the WNBA draft on April 14.

Diamond Johnson, Norfolk State University

Point guard Diamond Johnson, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year, led the MEAC in points and steals this season. She also finished the season among the top five players in the conference in total assists (second), field goal percentage (third) and 3-point field goal percentage (fourth).

Johnson, a former five-star recruit with stops at Rutgers and NC State, was instrumental in Norfolk State earning Power 4 wins over Missouri and Auburn this season. She improved her shot selection, increased her rebounding production and more than doubled her assists total from a season ago. She also had a strong showing in front of WNBA scouts last weekend at the Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game, earning MVP honors.

Zaay Green, Alabama (formerly Arkansas-Pine Bluff)

Former five-star recruit Zaay Green spent three seasons at Arkansas-Pine Bluff before ultimately transferring to Alabama for her senior season. In her seven seasons as a collegiate athlete, the guard overcame two ACL tears yet still made an impact on the court.

At Arkansas-Pine Bluff, she won Southwestern Athletic Conference Newcomer of the Year honors in her first season in the league (2021-22) and made the All-SWAC First Team in both seasons that she played. During her senior season in the SEC, Green averaged 15.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 46.7% from the field.

Ti’lan “Tilly” Boler, Memphis (formerly Jackson State University)

Former Jackson State guard Tilly Boler spent her senior season with Memphis and led her new team in scoring. Boler finished the season averaging 16.6 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 40% from the field. In her first season in the American Athletic Conference, Boler earned a place on the All-Conference First Team and All-Newcomer team. During the regular season, she also had a strong showing against NCAA tournament teams Louisville and Tennessee, scoring 20 and 23 points respectively.

Laila Lawrence, Coppin State University

Coppin State’s Laila Lawrence, a two-time MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, finished her senior season as the top two-way player in the conference. In Coppin State’s upset over Arizona State, Lawrence nearly pulled off a double-double with 20 points and nine rebounds. Lawrence finished first in the conference in rebounding, averaging 10.6 per game, and second in scoring, averaging 16.1 per game. The 6-foot-2 forward also finished second in the nation in double-doubles this season with 22. On the defensive end, Lawrence finished second in the conference in total steals (85) and fourth in total blocks (45).

Taleah Dilworth, Jackson State University

Taleah Dilworth was the most impactful transfer in the SWAC this season. Dilworth, a transfer from Kentucky State, swept conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors in her first season playing Division I basketball. The 5-foot-8 guard was an offensive and defensive staple for first-year Jackson State head coach Margaret Richards, leading the Tigers in scoring and in steals. Dilworth also led the conference in scoring, averaging 16.1 points per game, and field goal percentage (45.2%).